NSW COVID-19 passport must include everybody
Published 22 September 2021
While older people as a group have the highest rate of full COVID-19 vaccination in the country, their rate of digital connectedness is much lower. At the reopening of New South Wales, they now risk being left out in the cold in the absence of workable vaccine passport alternatives. [more]
What’s the underlying reason for mentioning underlying health conditions in COVID reporting?
Published 22 September 2021
When announcing COVID-19-related stats, officials are quick to mention if underlying health conditions played a part. [more]
How higher inflation leads to bigger pension indexation increases
Published 22 September 2021
Low inflation has equated to low pension indexation increases in recent years. September 2021 is proving different, but will it last?
Aged care in nursing homes: new website reports on the underbelly
Published 15 September 2021
Aged care workers, residents, friends and family can now record understaffing and its consequences in their nursing home on the Aged Care Watch website, challenging the secrecy in which nursing homes operate.
Windows 11: is your computer a smooth operator?
Published 15 September 2021
Windows 11 promises enhanced security features. This is good news, but not all computers will be able to be upgraded. Those left behind older versions of Windows will most likely be targeted by hackers. Find out how to check if your computer can be upgraded. [more]
Don’t suffer in silence paying energy bills
Published 15 September 2021
In 2021, older people haven’t received cash payments like those that were handed out last year but there is still some help on offer if you’re struggling financially.
Is your MySuper fund a dud?
Published 8 September 2021
MySuper sounds better than default super fund, or the fund-you-get-put-into-if-you-don’t- choose-a-super-fund-yourself, but that’s what MySuper is. If you fall into the uninterested-in-my-superannuation-because-it's-boring-and-all-too-much category, a recent performance test of all MySuper funds may change that view. [more]
Funerals: IPART greenlights wrongdoing
Published 8 September 2021
NSW funeral directors must publish price lists and stick to them. Problem is, only some do, and an even bigger problem is that regulators clearly don't care whether directors comply or not.
Social housing going backwards in NSW
Published 8 September 2021
In NSW spending on social housing is down, social housing as a proportion of total housing is down but the waiting list for social housing is also down, how is that possible? Some moves by the NSW Government play a large part.
Self-managed super: could you do your own accounts and save?
Published 1 September 2021
Do you pay thousands in fees to have your SMSF accounts and SMSF tax return prepared and audited? Did you know that you don't really have to get an accountant to do it?
Home Care Packages: aids and equipment may be harder to get
Published 1 September 2021
From 1 September, the Government is paying Home Care Package providers in arrears for services provided to care recipients. A logical measure but one that may make getting aids and equipment even more difficult than it was before.
Electricity: how to register as a life support customer
Published 1 September 2021
If you or someone you live with needs to use life supporting medical equipment at home such as home dialysis, ventilators or oxygen concentrators, you should register as a life support customer with your energy retailer as soon as possible. [more]
Energy vouchers up and free payphones
Published 25 August 2021
Households in financial hardship can access more assistance for energy costs and Telstra has made its payphones free of charge.
Afterpay or afterdebt, don’t be fooled by the no-interest promise
Published 25 August 2021
Remember the old lay-bys? You wouldn’t get what you wanted until it was paid off, without interest. Now there’s a new version. You get what you wanted to buy straight away, no interest. Sounds too good to be true?
Financial services compensation scheme an insult to victims
Published 25 August 2021
Australians ripped off by funeral insurance schemes will be excluded from the Federal Government’s compensation scheme for victims of financial scandals.
COVID Check-in cards make signing in without a smartphone easier
Published 18 August 2021
COVID-19 check-in cards are now available to use to enter stores in NSW instead of using a smartphone or a pen and paper. Find out how to get yours.
Your home care is changing soon, here’s what we know
Published 18 August 2021
From July 2023, less than two years from now, things are going to change in a big way for anyone getting home care. The question is: is it going to be an improvement?
Why your super fund will short-change you in your retirement and how it could be different
Published 18 August 2021
What happens to your super once you retire? Would you know how to make it last until you eventually die? Your super fund would know, right?
Home care workers victims of early vaccine rollout mistake
Published 11 August 2021
Home care workers, nursing home workers and many other workers are struggling to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Who should go first? Or is that even a question?
What happens when there’s an emergency and the NBN is down?
Published 11 August 2021
When the NBN goes down, internet and home phone services become inaccessible. So, what happens during an emergency? How can you make a call for help without the NBN?
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